Drug-induced psychoses

Abstract

Major causes of drug-induced psychoses include cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine, cannabinoids, LSD, mescaline, the so-called designer drugs, anticholinergic compounds, and steroids. Most drug-induced psychoses are managed with general supportive measures, reassurance, minimizing patient stimulation, and benzodiazepines as needed; however, specific antidotes such as physostigmine for anticholinergic poisoning or urinary acidification to enhance excretion of amphetamines or phencyclidine may be indicated in some patients. Any patient with a drug-induced psychosis must be evaluated carefully for evidence of other toxic effects of the drug in question.